This year, for the first time ever, Aletheia will be participating in Lent. We thought it would be helpful to provide some information to prepare you as we invite everyone who calls Aletheiahome, into this time.

An important rhythm on the historical church calendar that has been participated in for centuries now is Lent, a 40-day period leading up to Resurrection Sunday (Easter), that ushers Christ’s followers into a posture of pressing pause on what we are prioritizing above Jesus; and re-orienting our hearts toward Christ.

We do this through the subtraction of a few things we ordinarily say yes to.

The ultimate hope of this time participating in Lent is that we come to grips with our desperate need for a Savior and Ruler over our lives.

This 40-day period models Jesus’ time in the wilderness before his public ministry began in Matthew chapter 4, where he was tempted by the devil and where he abstained from food for the duration of the time.

Lent always begins with “Ash Wednesday”, which falls on March 6th this year. It is a day of prayer, fasting, contemplation, and repentance. The idea originates from the Old Testament model of repentance where the Jews would wear sackcloths and put ashes on their heads to remind themselves of their condition as sinners and to remember that humans are but mere “dust, and to dust we shall return.”

Ashes are representative of mourning, repentance, and of course, death, and the reason for why you may see people on Ash Wednesday place ashes on the middle of their forehead. This is to signify the mourning over sin, the subtraction of over-desires, and the reality of sin’s consequence, which is DEATH.

Lent ends on holy Saturday, the day before Resurrection Sunday. What this means is that more than Lent being marked by sadness and mourning as we think about our sin, more profoundly it is marked by the promise that Jesus crushed our sin on the cross and proved it by walking out of the tomb – all to give us LIFE!

For Aletheia, these 40(ish) days will be about Jesus and that through subtracting various items from our lives, we will see more profoundly and beautifully just how much we only need him.

The days will be broken down into 7 different weeks, with a Scriptural emphasis each week and something in our lives that we distract from our regular daily rhythms (for example food, social media, and caffeine).

We hope and pray that this period of time leading up to Easter will be a time where you can know and experience Christ’s love and as a result, see a greater worship of Jesus as you see your desperate need for him.

Praying for you, church.Pastor Aaron

LENT GUIDE

The Lent Guide will walk you through the seven weeks of Lent. Each week will include a reading from the life of Christ in the Gospel of Luke, as well as four supplemental passages to consider throughout the week. Additionally, there is a suggested fast to coincide with each week. Each Sunday, you should read the provided passage from the life of Christ and also consider journaling, discussing, praying through and rereading the narrative and supplemental texts throughout the week.

This process will hopefully stir up a few questions:

What do these passages of Scripture reveal about the nature and character of Christ?

What do these passages reveal about your own heart?

How can you respond to God’s provision in His Son and Spirit in light of your own deficiency?

As Lent is not intended to be pursued merely on Sundays, this guide is not intended to be picked up one day a week. We can only truly enter into the tradition of Lent by establishing a rhythm of consistency. We hope you will consider how and when you will pursue the joyful disciplines of reading, praying, meditating and fasting during the season.

LENT WEEK 01 • TEMPTATION

“And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’ ” And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ ” And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ and “ ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’ ” And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.” Luke 4:1–13

WEEKLY FAST: FOOD

This week we are fasting from food. Across the Scriptures, there are examples of men & women who abstain from eating in order to have deeper communion with the Father, even Jesus himself! It’s more than just emptying our stomachs —this tangible sacrifice also invites Jesus to fill space in our lives and speak with greater clarity through the Word & Prayer. Will you take a part in this? You may choose to fast from one meal a day with your family. Others will fast an entire day & some might fast for multiple days.

FOR CHILDRENThe day you are fasting, your kids can trade a special food that they love to eat for something they don’t enjoy as much. This will serve as a reminder that we are giving up something to experience something greater–remembering Jesus!

LENT WEEK 02 • RESPONSIVE TO LOVE

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36-50

WEEKLY FAST: TELEVISION + MOVIES

This week we are fasting from Television & Movies. God created our hearts to be captivated by stories – we are all looking to get lost in something bigger than ourselves — Thankfully, the gospel invites us to play a role in THE story — God’s heart to restore relationship between the world and Himself through Jesus. Take a week off of Netflix or even a few select nights. Unplug the TV. Use the space to advance relationships that God has placed you around. Read a bible story together with family & friends instead of visual entertainment.

FOR CHILDRENFor elementary kids and older: Together, make a list of their favorite shows or movies and look for ways those stories relate to The Story (ask questions such as, who is the hero in your favorite show? Why are they a hero? Who is the hero in the Bible? What similarities does your show’s hero have to Jesus? Is there anyone in your show that needs to be rescued? Why do they need to be rescued? Who needs rescuing in the story of the Bible? Why?)

For preschool kids: Read a story from The Jesus Storybook Bible (because the ending of almost all of those ties it back in to Jesus being the hero) each night. If they have a show they like to watch, explain that Jesus was the first and is the best hero. Even better than ______________(fill in with the name of the hero from their favorite show).

LENT WEEK 03 • CONFESSION + COST

Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:18-27

Weekly Fast: Social Media + Internet
This week we are fasting from Social Media and the Internet. The average person looks at their smartphone over 80 times a day. Our digital age constantly demands our attention and distracts us from our purpose — to know, love & experience Jesus. Instead of using social media & the internet to “know everything” & “be everywhere” — let’s focus that time on the personal God who is right in front of us each moment. You could choose to go into your favorite apps and lock yourself out for a day. You could put your computer in your car and keep it there. Maybe you even shut off the phone every evening after work.

FOR CHILDRENFor elementary kids and older: Plan some time to do fun things as a family and talk about things like “how has God shown you He loved you this week?” “What are some hard things going on right now?” Talk about the false sense of community social media can be and that God designed us for real relationships with other people and most of all with Him.

For preschool kids: Make a point to put your phone away for a period of the day in which they are awake. Tell them that mom and dad are putting their phone down each afternoon (or evening, etc.) so you don’t get distracted from being with the people around you (your family, neighbors, etc.)

LENT WEEK 04 • LEARNING TO PRAY

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Luke 11:1–13

Weekly Fast: Caffeine + Sweets
This week we are fasting from caffeine & sweets. Both of these things are life’s little luxuries – things that promise to sustain & satisfy. They are small longings that make their way into our weekly rhythms. This week let’s lay them down to focus on what truly satisfies – Jesus & experiencing HIs great love for us. You could skip coffee every morning this week or just a few afternoons when you believe you need it. You might give up dessert after dinner or candy/snacks after work or school.

FOR CHILDREN
Talk this week about how sugar and caffeine always leave you wanting more but Jesus satisfies you. Psalm 103:5 says God is a satisfier of our desires…just the opposite of caffeine and sugar!

LENT WEEK 05 • HUMILITY + JUSTIFICATION

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:9–17

Weekly Fast: Radio + Music
This week we are fasting from Radio & Music. In a world that is constantly turning the up the volume to grab our attention, silence has become a rare discipline to practice. Let’s stop all the noise for a few days in order create an environment of silence & stillness where we can be attune to God’s voice. You could skip music for an entire day or the WHOLE week. Use the silent times in the car or at home to pray, read & reflect. If you have a long commute to work, you could listen to the Bible while you go (try the CBR app)!

FOR CHILDRENFor elementary kids and older: Use the silent times in the car or at home to pray, read and reflect. You can also listen to scripture being read by using the CBR app each day.

For preschool kids:Use your own voice to sing songs they know about God like “Jesus Loves Me,” “My God is So Big,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”

LENT WEEK 06 • THE COST OF RICHES

And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’ ” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said. Luke 18:18–34

Weekly Fast: Shopping
This week we’re fasting from Shopping for non-essentials. We buy a lot of stuff that we “need” –but in actuality, we just want them badly. Sometimes it is the new, shiny thing that other people have or the euphoric feeling you get from swiping the credit card. Other times its just that we’ve become accustomed to a certain lifestyle where we always say “yes” to purchases when financial freedom allows. Let’s avoid all the excess & marketing this week to create a space of thankfulness & gratitude for how God has graciously provided for us Take some time this week to make a list of items to buy that you’d consider absolutely necessary. Then You might go a couple days avoiding buying the extra things or even the whole week.

FOR CHILDRENFor elementary kids and older: Have your kids help you make a list of things that are absolutely necessary to survive. Tell them that those are the only things your family will be buying during the week. Every time either you or your child find yourself wanting to buy something not on the list, say, “Thank you God for ___________” and name something you already have.

For preschool kids: If you have young children, draw or cut out pictures of things that are actual needs and put them up around the house. Whenever you see them during the day, say out loud, “Thank you God for _____________” and name the item in the picture.

LENT WEEK 07 • TRIUMPH + TEARS

And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’ ” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:28–44

Weekly Fast: Sleep
This week we are fasting from sleep. Sleep is one of God’s greatest gifts to us – it’s healthy, necessary and enjoyable. It also can often rob our time & energy to devote to other things — particularly our time with the Lord. Let’s intentionally sacrifice some of this time this week to create space for God to speak. You are neither expected nor encouraged to abstain from sleep for the entire week. However, the hope is that we might set our alarms an hour or two earlier, stay up an hour or two later or maybe devote one entire night or morning to prayer.

FOR CHILDRENFor elementary kids and older:Pick one morning or several mornings this week to wake your kids up 10 minutes earlier for a special family prayer time. Make sure to plan ahead the night before by going to sleep a little earlier and by having a list of a few things to pray for…sometimes it is hard to get brains functioning early!

For preschool kids: Pray with them before nap or bed and thank God for the gift of sleep. Thank God that He never sleeps, and is always available to help us, hear us or talk to us.